Email Newsletters

BEARS NOTES: Bears prep for more game-like situations

By KEVIN FISHBAIN
kfishbain@shawmedia.com

Aug. 7, 2013

Kyle Grillot

Caption

Kyle Grillot - kgrillot@shawmedia.com
Alshon Jeffery runs a play on the sixth day of practice at the Chicago Bear training camp at Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais Ill. on Thursday, August 1, 2013.

BOURBONNAIS – The Bears’ final practice as a whole had a different look than what we have seen in the Marc Trestman era, even though it began with a “déjà vu all over again” moment.

On the first play, quarterback Jay Cutler’s pass got batted at the line and intercepted, which happened three times the previous day.

After that, though, the offense settled down, as Trestman got the team ready for the regular season in what he dubbed the “most important practice of the year.”

“We did everything from the sideline today – there were no scripts or preparation for the players,” he explained. “We gave the coaches and the players to work situational football like it would be in the game.”

The format allowed the team to get used to a packed sideline, which they will experience with 90 players in the first couple of preseason games. It wasn’t a designed practice necessarily for Friday night’s preseason opener in Carolina, Trestman said, but for the whole 2013 campaign.

“We weren’t practicing to get ready for the game, we were practicing to get ready for the season,” he said. “The difference is, they weren’t getting coaching on the field. You didn’t feel the energy that comes with coaches moving them along, they had to do it on their own.

“It’s a great exercise. … Everybody needs to feel that dynamic and we try to get them a head start. Friday night should come easier to all of us.”

Quick hits: The biggest pass play of the day came on a bullet touchdown from quarterback Josh McCown to Fendi Onobun. … Both Eric Weems and Joe Anderson took reps with the first-team receivers in Earl Bennett’s absence. … Offensive tackle Jermon Bushrod was more involved in Wednesday’s practice, but still might be held out of Friday’s preseason game. Trestman said all starters would be playing minimally in Carolina, if they play at all.

Get full access to news 24/7 at Daily-Chronicle.com

Sign up to receive full access to DeKalb County's best online local news and information source for just pennies a day!